Take your holiday table to the next level this year with the most luxurious and decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie. It's a twist on a classic pecan pie recipe, but instead of just being sugary-sweet, it has a rich, dark chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with homemade pie crust and toasted pecans. There's no finer dessert this holiday season, and you'll be pleased to know just how simple this easy chocolate pecan pie recipe really is.
Who doesn't look forward to a plate of perfect Pecan Pie after Thanksgiving dinner? As delicious as this decadent dessert is, it's also notoriously sweet. It can be hard to eat more than a sliver due to all the corn syrup and sugar. Fortunately, the bitterness of dark chocolate mellows out the sugar-sweet pie and turns it into something you'll want way more often than just once a year!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Easy to make. Especially if you use a storebought pie crust, this gooey chocolate pecan pie comes together really quickly. After melting the butter and chocolate chips together, you whisk in all the other ingredients, pour them into the crust, and bake. It's really that simple!
- Decadent flavor and texture. You know that gooey filling that oozes out of a good slice of pecan pie? Imagine that same filling, but with a molten chocolate flavor. Between the flaky pie crust, the crunchy nuts, and the thick, rich chocolate syrup filling, this chocolate chip pecan pie is a true flavor experience!
- A holiday dessert. Pecan pie is a must for the holidays, and this version adds a much-needed dose of chocolate to your holiday table. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream to take it over the top!
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Chocolate Pecan Pie, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- 9-inch pie crust - choose either a store-bought or homemade homemade pie crust. You'll just need one crust for a 9-inch pie plate.
- pecans - you'll need both chopped pecans for the filling and halves for the top of the pie.
- semi-sweet chocolate - these dark chocolate chips will add a bitter note that pairs really well with the sweet ingredients. Feel free to substitute bittersweet chocolate or any dark chocolate with 50-75% cacao.
- unsalted butter - combine melted butter with the chocolate chips to make the base for the pie.
- Dutch process cocoa powder - adds a second layer of chocolate to make sure this pie has a rich chocolate flavor.
- light corn syrup - the secret to a gooey filling is syrup. Choose light corn syrup to let the chocolate flavors shine. Dark corn syrup is a bit too rich. If you can't find light corn syrup, you can either use maple syrup or golden syrup.
- light brown sugar - this sweetener adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that's classic in a traditional pecan pie recipe.
- all purpose flour - although there is flour in the crust, this flour will thicken the filling as it bakes to give it that classic texture.
- vanilla - add a splash of vanilla to really highlight the sweet flavors in this chocolate pie.
- salt - this will make every bite taste even more flavorful.
- eggs - you'll need both whole eggs and one yolk to give the rich chocolate filling the perfect texture.
You will also need a rolling pin, 9-inch pie plate, two baking sheets, a cutting board and knife, a microwave-safe bowl, a whisk, spatula, and wire rack.
How to Make the Best Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Make the crust. If using homemade pie dough, roll it out to be about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it into a 9-inch pie dish. Press it into the dish and flute/crimp the edges. Using a fork, prick the bottom of the crust. Place the prepared pie crust onto a large baking sheet, then place somewhere cold (like the fridge or freezer) while you make the filling.
- Toast the pecans. On a separate baking sheet, add both the chopped and whole pecans (try to keep them separated), and place into the oven to toast for 10 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate and butter. Add the chopped chocolate and butter to a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate and butter are both fully melted, smooth, and combined. Remove from the microwave and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth.
- Make the pie filling. Add the corn syrup, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, and salt to the bowl with the chocolate, then whisk until smooth and combined.
- Whisk the eggs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolk. Add into the pie filling and whisk again until smooth and combined.
- Add the pecans. Finally, add the toasted chopped pecans to the pie filling, and fold to combine.
- Fill the crust. Remove the pie crust (with baking sheet) from the fridge or freezer. Pour the pie filling into the crust, top with the whole pecans, then place into the oven to bake.
- Bake. Bake in a 350°F preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centre is still slightly jiggly. Allow to cool for an hour on a wire rack, then transfer to the fridge to cool and set overnight (or enjoy warm, if you prefer that!).
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Replace the vanilla extract with a splash of your favorite bourbon for an amazing aroma and flavor.
- Add spices. Take the flavor in a different direction by adding your favorite spices, like cardamom, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon.
- Make mini pies. For individual-sized bites, make mini pie crusts and add the filling. Be sure to watch the pies carefully and reduce the baking time.
- Try a different crust. This recipe uses a regular flaky crust, but you could also try a chocolate crust, a pecan crust, or your favorite pie crust recipe. Choose a baked crust — not something as porous as graham cracker crust.
- Gluten-free chocolate pecan pie. Use your favorite gluten free pie crust and replace the flour in the filling with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour.
How to Serve
This Chocolate Pecan Pie is delicious served on its own, or paired as a dessert after a holiday feast, including:
- Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner
- Roast Turkey
- Candied Yams
- Easy Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce
- Green Bean Casserole
- The Best and Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Skip the microwave. It's really quick to melt the chocolate for the filling using the microwave, but if you don't have one, you can make a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with 3 inches of water, set a metal or glass mixing bowl on top, and set the heat over medium low. Melt the butter and chocolate in the bowl first, then add the other ingredients following the recipe instructions.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Let the chocolate pecan pie cool at room temperature for two hours, then cover it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
Pecan pie is usually served at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm slice, pop your slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place the whole pie back in the oven at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes until warm.
How to Freeze
Leftover pie freezes very well. Allow the pie to chill in the fridge first, then wrap it well in several layers of plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQ
Since this recipe contains eggs, it's best to follow regular food safety rules to avoid any possible food-borne illness. The pie should be cooled to room temperature within two hours of baking, then stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to wrap the entire pie in foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
If your pecan pie is runny, it's likely that you either added too much liquid or you didn't bake it long enough. Any type of pecan pie usually takes about an hour to bake, and it will need an additional hour on the counter to set up. If it is still runny and you just took it out of the oven, keep baking it for an additional 10-15 minutes to see if that helps.
It's generally recommended to store pecan pie in the refrigerator to avoid any harmful germs and bacteria from growing. Your pie should not be on the counter for longer than two hours.
More Pecan Pie Recipes
- 30 Best Pecan Recipes
- Pecan Pie
- Pecan Pie Brownies
- Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Chopped Pecan Pie
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